Liza looks a bit angry now and glares at Lera, thinking he may be pitying her, and then sighs.

Liza: Can you tell me honestly, if that Andrei person is really in love with my sister? I think he is. I think they are lovers, and they're only denying it because they think I'll verbally abuse them or something. *she chuckles*

Lera: Ah, you're glaring at me? Something I've done to give offense, dear?

Liza: No, it's just me. I just get too sensitive at times. Please ignore that. *looks a bit ashamed now, her voice is softer* But please, answer my question about Andrei.

Lera: *laughs snidely* Him? A lover? Please!

Liza: What do you mean? If he's not a lover, what is he?

Lera: He's smitten with your sister, but he's humble as a dog, really. Yes, he just wishes to be friends with her.

Liza: Why does he call my sister all of these names? Why is he smitten with her? *looks very angry now* What the heck does that mean??? *standing up and her posture is very stiff for some reason* Only friends? Really? But you said he was smitten!

Lera: Ah, he is smitten, but he thinks your sister may not like him in return. He won't go where he is not wanted, as he always says.

Liza: *laughs* Well, it's good that he knows his place and shouldn't get close to her if he's not wanted. That's one good thing coming out of all of this.

*pauses*

Lera: He's had a.... a very trying past, dear. He calls everyone names. Do you know what he calls me?

Liza: What does he call you?

Lera: He calls me, and he made this up, mind you, Lechka. Quite a nonsensical name, but he calls people by vulgar diminutives. He can't help it. He may be, on paper, not a Cossack, just average citizen, but he still bleeds like a Cossack and thinks like one. He's very blunt and uses all sorts of names for people and things.

Liza: I see. Why doesn't he call my sister a vulgar name though? He called me a rusalka. That's pretty rude of him.

Lera: Well, you insulted him. Now, were you a man, and not Katya's sister, you would have tussled with the horns of an angry bull. He called you a rusalka out of civility. That means he thinks you're conniving like one, like the tales where they drown people. It seems you're quite leery of men like him. Or perhaps of people in general?

Liza looks a bit miffed by that last sentence.

Liza: Hey, that's none of your business. Come to your own conclusions.